Each year, on November 6, the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict reminds us of a frequently overlooked casualty of conflict: the environment. The destruction caused by war extends beyond human lives and infrastructure; ecosystems, wildlife, water reserves, and natural resources suffer devastating damage, with long-term consequences that continue to impact communities and nature for generations.
War disrupts landscapes, damages vital resources such as forests, rivers, and farmland, essential not only for local biodiversity but also for the livelihood of millions. The toxic contaminants from weapons, soil erosion due to collapsing infrastructure, and damage to water systems all have serious, often irreversible, effects on ecosystems. Furthermore, the illegal exploitation of natural resources to fund armed groups leads to further degradation, affecting everything from endangered species to local economies reliant on sustainable practices.
Years of conflict in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, Congo, Chad, and Somalia have left populations particularly vulnerable to climate change, especially due to the degradation of their natural resources and the loss of biodiversity, making it difficult for them to adapt to new challenges posed by shifting climate patterns.
Investing in conflict-affected and fragile regions is undoubtedly complex, but this difficulty should not be a justification for inaction. As highlighted by the World Bank, by 2030, up to two-thirds of the world’s extreme poor may live in countries marked by fragility, conflict, and violence.
This intersection of poverty, conflict and climate weakness is not a coincidence; rather, it stems from the deterioration of state institutions, the capacity to manage the environment, the overexploitation of natural resources, displacement and the fragmentation of social bonds. All of these factors erode the capacity of countries and communities to anticipate and withstand climate impacts.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to integrate environmental protection into peacebuilding and conflict resolution processes. International organizations and NGOs are increasingly advocating for policies that prioritize safeguarding ecosystems during conflicts, ensuring the protection of communities that rely on natural resources for their survival, and promoting accountability for environmental damage caused by military actions.
In a world where conflict and climate risks are increasingly intertwined, it is essential for funds, bilateral donors, and multilateral development banks (MDBs) to address these realities, adapting their approaches to support those most exposed to climate shocks. This adaptation is crucial in light of rising global commitments, such as the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance expected at COP29, and the World Bank’s pledge to increase climate-focused lending to 45% of its portfolio. For these commitments to succeed, they must channel significant resources to the world’s most climate-vulnerable populations, so that climate finance can fulfill the Paris Agreement’s promise of prioritizing those in greatest need.
How We Can Help Protect the Environment in Conflict Zones
Support Policies for Environmental Protection During War: It is essential to back policies that include environmental conservation during times of war. Supporting international treaties and agreements that impose stricter rules on environmental damage during armed conflicts is critical.
Promote Restoration and Cleanup Efforts: After conflict, restoration programs that rehabilitate destroyed ecosystems and clean up polluted land are essential. We should support organizations working on the ground to restore the environment and promote sustainable resource management.
Raise Awareness: Informing others about the importance of protecting the environment in times of war helps promote collective action. Awareness campaigns, social media sharing, and community discussions can influence how these issues are perceived globally.
Engage with Peace Organizations: Peace and environmental stability go hand in hand. Supporting and volunteering with organizations that work on conflict resolution while promoting sustainable environmental practices is essential for lasting peace.
The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict reminds us that the environment is a silent casualty of war and that our planet deserves protection, even in the most challenging times. By raising awareness and supporting global efforts to prioritize environmental protection in conflict zones, we can contribute to a future where peace and sustainability are genuinely attainable.
